Tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes, consisting of chicken tikka (chunks of chicken marinated in spices and yogurt) served in a rich, tomato-cream sauce. With its complex flavors and versatility, tikka masala can be paired with a variety of sides, drinks, breads, and desserts. This article explores different pairing options to complement and enhance the flavors of this iconic dish.
The Components of Tikka Masala
To understand what pairs well with tikka masala, it is important to first breakdown its main flavor components:
- Chicken tikka – the marinated, grilled chicken provides a savory, protein-rich base.
- Tomato-cream sauce – the smooth, lightly spiced, creamy tomato gravy is the hallmark of tikka masala. It provides tanginess, sweetness, and richness.
- Aromatic spices – spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves infuse the dish withwarm, earthy aromas.
- Chilies – fresh chilies or chili powder contribute mild to moderate heat and fruitiness.
- Dairy – yogurt in the marinade and cream/coconut milk in the sauce impart coolness and soft texture.
With this flavor profile in mind, complementary pairings can enhance the experience of eating tikka masala.
Rice
Rice is the most classic pairing for any Indian curry dish. Here are some excellent rice options with tikka masala:
Plain Basmati Rice
Fluffy, aromatic basmati rice helps soak up the rich gravy while providing a blank canvas that lets the flavors of the curry shine. Serve it plain or finish it with a pat of butter for extra richness.
Coconut Rice
Toasted coconut flakes accent the natural sweetness of basmati rice. The coconut echoes the coconut milk in the tikka masala sauce, while adding crunch.
Lemon Rice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest give the rice a bright citrus kick that balances the curry’s creamy texture. Chopped curry leaves reinforce the Indian essence.
Cumin Rice
Dry-roasting rice with cumin seeds gives a nutty, aromatic flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the cumin notes in the curry.
Biryani Rice
Biryani is a Indian mixed rice dish loaded with fried onions, spices, herbs, nuts, and sometimes fruit. It can be served on the side or layered with the curry. The complex flavors and tempting textures pair sensationally with tikka masala.
Breads
Bread is great for dipping into the luscious curry sauce. Here are some excellent options:
Naan
The most popular Indian restaurant bread, naan is lightly leavened flatbread traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven. It soaks up the curry’s flavors beautifully. Opt for plain, garlic, or cheese-filled.
Roti
This unleavened Indian flatbread has a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the silky curry sauce. Whole wheat roti is especially tasty.
Paratha
Paratha is a flaky flatbread layered with ghee or butter. The crisp, flaky layers shatter delightfully when dipped into the curry.
Puri
Deep-fried puffy breads called puri provide an irresistible vehicle for scooping up sauce. The crisp, hollow spheres contrast with the luscious curry.
Dosa
This popular South Indian crepe can be served as a wrap with tikka masala stuffed inside. The fermented rice and lentil batter provides a tangy contrast to the curry.
Vegetable Sides
Vegetable sides offer color, nutrition, contrasting textures, and flavors that complement tikka masala.
Raita
Cool, creamy yogurt mixed with grated cucumber and mint provides the perfect counterpoint to the curry’s heat. The natural sweetness of the yogurt accentuates the tomato-cream sauce.
Onion Salad
Crisp raw onions tossed in lime juice and chaat masala seasoning serve as a tangy, crunchy side. The onion crunch balances the tender chicken in the curry.
Roasted Cauliflower
Whole roasted cauliflower florets caramelized with Indian spices echo the deep flavors in the curry sauce. The charred bits add complexity.
Palak Paneer
This creamy spinach dish with cubes of mild farmer’s cheese makes a colorful, iron-rich side. The earthiness of spinach complements the spices in the curry.
Dal Makhani
This black lentil and kidney bean curry has a luxuriously silky texture. Its deep, comforting flavors fuse beautifully with tikka masala on the plate.
Chutneys and Pickles
A dollop of chutney or pickle adds a pop of flavor, tang, spice, and texture contrast to tikka masala.
Cilantro Chutney
This bright green chutney made from cilantro, mint, garlic, chilies, and yogurt makes the perfect finishing touch. Its coolness balances the curry’s heat.
Mango Chutney
Sweet, spicy, and tangy mango chutney with raisins and warm spices complements the fruitiness of the curry sauce.
Lime Pickle
Indian lime pickle has bold hot, sour, salty flavors from chili, mustard oil, fenugreek, and other spices preserved in lime juice. It electrifies the palate when paired with creamy tikka masala.
Pineapple Chutney
Pineapple chutney’s tropical sweet-tartness forms an exciting contrast with the rich curry. Toasted coconut flakes provide crunch.
Papaya Chutney
Sweet papaya and spicy chilies caramelized with warm spices create a jam-like chutney that balances the curry’s creamy texture.
Beverage Pairings
Sip on a refreshing beverage that complements the meal. Here are some excellent drinks with tikka masala:
Mango Lassi
A salty-sweet yogurt drink made with ripe mango harmonizes beautifully with the fruitiness and creaminess of the curry. It also helps temper the heat.
Masala Chai
This Indian spiced tea infused with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper echoes the curry’s warming spices. Milk adds creaminess.
Sparkling Water with Lime
The bubbles and acidity of sparkling water refreshed the palate between bites of rich curry. Lime adds bright citrus notes.
Iced Chai Tea
Cool, milky iced chai tea makes a soothing contrast to the warming heat of the curry. The spices align perfectly.
Indian Lassi Flavors
Beyond mango, lassi comes in an array of flavors like rose, sweet basil, pomegranate, and strawberry. These creamy yogurt drinks provide the perfect foil to spicy curry.
Beer
A crisp, cold beer like an Indian lager, pilsner, or wheat beer cleanses the palate after each spicy-rich bite of curry. Avoid very bitter styles like IPA.
Dessert Pairings
While tikka masala is rich, a luscious dessert can be an indulgent treat. The contrast between sweet and spicy-savory makes for an exciting finish.
Gulab Jamun
These deep-fried milk balls soaked in rose-cardamom syrup are the ultimate Indian comfort food dessert. The light sweetness balances the curry’s spices.
Kulfi
The creamy textures of this popular frozen dairy dessert made with condensed milk complement the silky curry sauce. Flavors like pistachio, mango, and rose amplify the meal’s fruitiness.
Ras Malai
This Bengali dessert features tender cheese curds soaked in sweetened, thickened milk. It mimics the flavors of the tikka masala sauce in dessert form.
Carrot Halwa
Shredded carrots slowly cooked with milk, sugar, nuts, raisins, and cardamom form a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. The sweetness and spice aligns with the curry.
Lychee Ice Cream
Creamy lychee ice cream capped with a rosewater-scented lychee sauce highlights the rose and fruit notes in the meal. The cold contrasts with the steaming curry.
Tikka Masala Flavor Profile
To recap, here are the main flavors found in chicken tikka masala:
| Savory | Chicken, tomato, creamy dairy |
|---|---|
| Sweet | Coconut milk, onions, tomato |
| Sour | Tomato, yogurt |
| Spicy | Chili, black pepper |
| Herbs & Spices | Coriander, cumin, turmeric, garlic, ginger, cloves, cinnamon |
Guidelines for Pairing with Tikka Masala
Using the flavor profile above as a guide, here are some pairing guidelines:
- Complement the savory chicken and tomato with starchy sides like rice or breads.
- Echo the sweet flavors with coconut, mango, papaya, pineapple sides and chutneys.
- Cut the richness with tart pickles, raita, or sparkling drinks.
- Match the spice level with spiced teas, beer, or pickled veggies.
- Harmonize with aromatics like cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves.
- Contrast with cooling textures like yogurt drinks, salads, kulfi.
Sample Meal with Pairings
Here is a sample full meal showcasing delicious pairings with chicken tikka masala:
Main
Chicken Tikka Masala
Side
Coconut rice
Raita
Onion salad
Bread
Naan
Chutney
Cilantro chutney
Drink
Mango lassi
Dessert
Gulab jamun
Conclusion
Chicken tikka masala is a highly versatile dish that pairs well with a multitude of sides, breads, chutneys, beverages and desserts. By complementing the curry’s complex savoriness with starch, matching its fruitiness with mango and coconut, cooling its spice with yogurt, and harmonizing with its aromatics, you can craft a meal that showcases this iconic Indian dish. With so many possibilities, get creative and have fun finding your perfect matches with tikka masala!